Day 1 Highlights: Stivers takes over as Senate President, freshmen sworn in

The opening gavel in both chambers came down today and with those clacks, a new age in Frankfort was ushered in.

Republican Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, officially took over the Senate as its new president, replacing David Williams who resigned to become a judge after a quarter century in the Senate and the last 13 as its president. Here’s a look at Stivers’ official election by the chamber and his swearing in:

Stivers is just one of five lawmakers who will be getting used to new leadership positions during this 30-day session. Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown replaces Stivers as Senate majority leader, and Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard will be the new Republican whip.

In the House, Rep. Sannie Overly, D-Paris, on Tuesday became the first woman elected into House leadership as her fellow Democrats selected her as caucus chairman. The Republican House caucus elected Rep. John “Bam” Carney of Campbellsville as their new whip.

Meanwhile, 18 brand new lawmakers — plus one returning former legislator — took their oaths of office before their first session.

The legislature will meet through Friday to finish organizing with committee assignments, ethics training and filing of the first round of bills. Then the General Assembly will recess for three weeks before returning Feb. 5. They are expected to adjourn the 30-day session March 26.

Don Weber

Don Weber is a Video Journalist for Spectrum News and covers politics and education on Pure Politics, Kentucky’s only nightly program dedicated to state politics. Don is a lifelong Kentuckian and a graduate of Northern Kentucky University. He spent many years covering sports in the Northern Kentucky area before shifting primarily to politics. You can watch Don’s work weeknights at 7:00 and 11:30 on Pure Politics, available exclusively on Spectrum News, HD Channels 403 and 715. If you have a story idea you can reach Don at donald.weber@charter.com.